chapter thirty-five

The grand estate of the Greystone family was ablaze with light and music as carriages lined the driveway, guests pouring into the grand ballroom adorned with golden chandeliers and intricate floral arrangements. Laughter and chatter filled the air, mingling with the soft melody of the string quartet playing from the elevated platform.

As Selene, Arabella, Astrid, and Camille stepped inside, the valet ushered them toward the bar and refreshment area, where an array of fine wines, pastries, and delicacies were displayed. Servants moved gracefully between guests, refilling glasses and ensuring no plate remained empty.

Not long after they settled in, Cedric spotted them across the room. His sharp eyes immediately sought Arabella, who looked breathtaking in her crimson gown. Without hesitation, he strode toward them.

"Lady Arabella," he said smoothly, offering his hand, "would you grant me the honor of a dance?"

Arabella, though feigning a composed expression, could not suppress the soft pink hue that dusted her cheeks. With a small nod, she placed her hand in his, allowing Cedric to lead her toward the dance floor.

Astrid and Camille were soon invited to dance by a pair of noble lords, leaving Selene alone by the refreshments. The unspoken truth lingered in the air—no one dared invite the Crown Prince's fiancée to dance. Her reputation was far too intertwined with Keith's, and everyone knew how she had no interest in anyone else.

Eric, having noticed her solitude, approached her with a smirk. "Sitting out of the fun, little sister?"

Selene rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm perfectly fine, Eric. The food is delightful."

Eric chuckled. "Are you sure you don't want me to keep you company?"

She patted his arm. "Go enjoy yourself. I promise I won't be lonely."

With a small nod, Eric left, blending into the crowd as the music swelled in tempo.

Meanwhile, on the dance floor, Cedric and Arabella moved in perfect harmony. His strong hand guided her gracefully through each step, his golden-brown eyes never leaving hers.

"You're stunning tonight," he murmured.

Arabella's lips curved into a small smile, though she kept her gaze forward. "You've said that twice now, Cedric."

"I will say it a thousand times more if it means I get to see you blush," he teased, twirling her effortlessly.

She let out a soft laugh, her emerald eyes bright with emotion. Their chemistry was undeniable, the world around them fading into insignificance.

As the dance slowed, Cedric's voice dropped to a whisper. "Arabella, there's something I've been meaning to tell you."

Arabella's breath hitched slightly, but before he could continue, her gaze drifted toward the refreshment table. Selene still sat alone. A flicker of guilt passed through her.

"Cedric," she interjected gently, "Selene hasn't danced at all tonight."

Cedric followed her line of sight, frowning slightly. "No one has asked her?"

Arabella shook her head. "You should go invite her."

Cedric hesitated. He wanted to continue his moment with Arabella, but one look at her pleading eyes made him sigh in defeat. "Alright, but you owe me another dance."

Arabella smiled in triumph as he walked off toward Selene.

Selene was still enjoying her refreshments when Cedric appeared before her, extending his hand. "May I have this dance?"

She arched a brow. "Cedric, you know I don't—"

"Arabella insisted," he interrupted with a grin. "And since it is my birthday, would you deny me this one request?"

Selene sighed but placed her hand in his. "Fine, just one dance."

As they stepped onto the dance floor, Cedric guided her with practiced ease. "You should dance more often," he remarked.

"I prefer watching," she admitted, moving with surprising grace despite her reluctance.

Unbeknownst to them, across the ballroom, Keith's golden eyes darkened as he watched Cedric and Selene together. His grip on the wine glass tightened, a sudden wave of jealousy surging through him.

His jaw clenched. His vision tunneled.

Mine.

The word echoed in his mind like an undeniable truth.

His fingers curled into fists as he leaned against the nearest pillar, his breath uneven. He had spent weeks trying to suppress the emotions swirling within him—confusion, frustration, an unspoken attachment to Selene he refused to acknowledge.

But now, watching another man hold her, guide her in a dance meant for lovers, something inside him snapped.

He turned abruptly, slamming his fist against the cold stone wall beside him.

"Selene," he muttered under his breath, voice dark with possessive intensity. "You are mine. You can only belong to me. No other man can hold, touch, or love you… because you are mine."

His golden eyes burned as they followed her every movement. And when the music came to a close, and Cedric released Selene's hand with a polite smile, Keith had already started moving.

Before Selene could take a step away from the dance floor, a firm hand grasped her wrist.

She turned, startled, only to find herself being pulled away from the crowd.

Keith's grip was firm, unyielding. His gaze was filled with an emotion she couldn't quite decipher—rage, jealousy, something deeper.

"Keith," she started, but he didn't let her finish.

Without a word, he led her away from the ballroom, away from prying eyes, until they were alone.